United Voices for Grand Prairie is the official series from Grand Prairie United Charities, produced on the Faces of Grand Prairie Nonprofit & Civic Organizations channel. Co‑hosts Patti Brock and Jean Bondy bring listeners into meaningful conversations with community leaders, volunteers, and partners — sharing the stories and practical insights that strengthen our city. From spotlighting key programs to exploring local challenges and solutions, each episode celebrates the people working to make Grand Prairie better for everyone.
In this episode of United Voices for Grand Prairie, hosts Patty Brock and Jean Bondy welcome Vivian Morris, Grand Prairie High School alumni and Executive Director of Lifeline for Families.
Vivian shares her inspiring journey from being a teenage mother to leading one of the city’s most impactful nonprofits. Rooted in her deep love for her hometown, Vivian reflects on how growing up in Grand Prairie shaped her perspective, fueled her empathy, and strengthened her commitment to families in need. She takes listeners through the history of Lifeline, its holistic approach to stabilizing families in crisis, and her vision for “Lifeline 2.0.” With her unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding of the community, Vivian shows how being “from here” allows her to truly connect with and uplift Grand Prairie families
The History of Lifeline for Families
LifeLine began in September 2003 when founder Angela Giessner discovered a homeless boy living in a box behind a local grocery store. When she contacted GPISD to learn more, she found that more than 1,200 students in Grand Prairie were identified as homeless—living in cars, sheds, on couches, or in other unsafe conditions.
With no shelters in Grand Prairie, Angela rallied pastors, attorneys, business leaders, and nonprofit directors to create a solution. They launched LifeLine Shelter for Families, choosing to house families in local apartments instead of a traditional shelter. This approach protected families’ privacy, preserved dignity, and eliminated the overhead of maintaining a building.
Since then, over 7,000 people have been sheltered by Lifeline, with more than 90% of them being single-mom households.
How You Can Help
Lifeline for Families continues to fill the gap for children and parents in crisis. By donating, you directly help provide safe housing, resources, and support that lead families toward stability and self-sufficiency.
👉 Donate Here to Support Lifeline for Families
Every dollar makes a difference. Your gift ensures that no child in Grand Prairie has to worry about where they’ll sleep at night.
Lifeline also hosts a free Gospel concert every year as a fundraiser. No tickets necessary, just come and listen to some great music and donate some money to Lifeline! September 27 at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie.
